Well, it’s that time of the year again in our neck of the woods! Other parts of the country
have year-round riding seasons. We are not so lucky. I suppose you could look at that from a
different perspective, as I do. When your riding season never ends, I don’t believe that it’s as
special as when you have to wait for it. As a younger guy, busting my butt working construction,
I lived for the weekends, like everyone else. Work was what you had to go through to get to the
prize. Friday was everything! Then, I retired. Weekends no longer mean as much to me,
because every day can be Friday. I think that a full-time riding season would have a similar
effect, at least from my viewpoint.
Here it’s now time to get the bikes rolled out, charged up, dusted off, fired up and allowed to
breathe, as we listen to their deep engine music. Travel plans and choices are made as to
which event we can travel to. Starting with this edition, I plan on doing a piece on the ‘Big 3’
iconic national Rallies…Laconia, Sturgis and Daytona. I’ll also be covering more regional
rallies, such as Ohio Bike Week, the Devil’s Staircase Hillclimb, the Big Boogie in Bowling
Green, KY and even Friday the 13th Rally, located in Port Dover, Canada, which is an event
held directly across Lake Erie every Friday the 13th, regardless of the time of year that it falls
on. I’ve ridden around the Lake to get there and I’ve also ferried across from Port Clinton. It’s
worth the trip!
My first focus is on Laconia, seeing as how it kicks off Summer. Many riders emphasize
Sturgis and Daytona, because they seem to be the most popular and sexy, receiving the most
coverage. However, many of you may not realize that Laconia, New Hampshire is the
grandaddy of them all. It’s the oldest motorcycle rally in the U.S.A.! For this issue, I’ll delve into
the history of Laconia Motorcycle Week. So, like the Muslims making their trek to Mecca, or
the Jews to the Wailing Wall and the Catholics to Rome to see the Pope, lets pack up our rides,
break out the bungee cords, raingear, leathers, chaps and Cuts and choose which of our
Meccas, Romes or Jerusalems we’re going to ride to. Keep the rubber down and the shiny side
up and get some wind therapy and shake off the winter. Hibernation is over. Let’s get ridin’!
The Laconia Rally’s origins go all the way back to 1916, when a Gypsy Tour decided to meet
for several days to gather, swap stories and to, what was considered in those days, party with
each other. Thus, enjoying the beginnings of what would grow into a great American sub-
culture. They met at Weirs Beach on the southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee in Laconia.
Gypsy Tours were unofficial, loosely organized group rides of enthusiasts with the purpose of
going to races, hillclimbs, and to enjoy the budding brotherhood of riders, just like we still do 107
years later. After that first gathering, FAM, the Federation of American Motorcyclists, made the
Gypsy Tours official. That year, 1917, became the first official Laconia Gypsy Tour Bike Week
and it was co-sponsored by the Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle Companies. The
Gypsy Tour Ride is still an event held during Motorcycle Week and is open to everyone and a
great way to enjoy a few hours in the saddle.
The rally has grown since its humble beginning to estimates of attendance in the 300.000
range. One of my favorite day trips is a ride to Mt. Washington, in the White Mountains, about a
scenic 2-hour ride from town. Mt. Washington, also known as Agiocochook, is the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S. at 6,288.2 feet. It’s an 8 mile drive to the beautiful summit and can
take about 30 minutes to go up, depending on traffic. It’s two narrow lanes and sometimes
vehicles have to pull off about 2 feet to let another get by. There are no guardrails, so if you’re
squeamish, there’s also a Tram car that can take you up. The first time I rode up, in ‘82, it was
free but the last time I went, the toll charge was $15. SO well worth it!
One last interesting fact about this site, there has always been a weather station at the
peak. It happens to be in the Guiness Book of World Records for the highest wind velocity
anywhere! Some 90 years ago, the Station recorded winds of 231 MPH!!! The Weather Station
was blown off the mountain! When you see its replacement, you’ll notice giant chains draped
over the building and anchored in concrete.
One more really nice ride is about an hour and a half ride north of Laconia, to NH Route 112,
better known as the Kancamagus Highway. Around a 50+ mile ride through the stunning New
Hampshire great Pine Forests with no commercial buildings for the entire length, including gas
stations. But beware if you decide to pull off, the shoulders are VERY soft.
So, if you’ve never been to Laconia Motorcycle Week, I recommend putting it on your list!
It’s picturesque, it’s huge, plus, it’s only a one long day ride from Cleveland. Those are the
highlights. Only downside, like all big rallies, is the traffic and Laconia suffers from eastern
seaboard tightness. To get to Weirs Beach, which is where all of the bars are, there is only one
main road. It’s still worth doing at least once and this would be a great time since it turns One
hundred & One-derful this year! If any of you do go for the first time, drop me a line and let me
know if I steered you right. Thanks everyone!
Marc “ITCHY” Ciacchi
Photos by Jeff Klaum
